Inside The Bills

The Bills are in the market for a tight end with the uncertain health status of Scott Chandler coming off a torn ACL late last season. Buffalo had Rice TE Vance McDonald in for a pre-draft visit Thursday. McDonald is a talented athlete, which any NFL talent evaluator can see, but the Bills have some inside information on McDonald thanks to a member of their coaching staff.

Bills linebackers coach Chuck Driesbach watched almost all of McDonald’s college career on a daily basis at Rice, where he served as the defensive coordinator for McDonald’s first three seasons at the school.

McDonald is a natural athlete who is fluid in his movement and catching ability. He’s also strong, particularly as a downfield blocker. During much of his junior season when he was lined up in the slot and detached from the formation, they often ran bubble screens and toss and stretch plays his way so he could block downfield.

McDonald’s strength was seen with his 31 reps on the bench at the NFL Combine. He also ran a 4.6 40 time, had a 33 1/2″ vertical and a 9’11” broad jump. Not bad for 6’4″ 267.